Štrukli (Croatia)

Name: Štrukli (Croatia)
Cook time: PT90 minutesM
Yield: Feeds 4 serving(s)

90 minutes

Feeds 4

Štrukli is a traditional Croatian dish celebrated for its comforting layers of dough and cheese, particularly popular in the northern regions of Croatia, such as Zagorje and the capital, Zagreb. The baked version, Zapečeni Štrukli, is often topped with additional cream or cheese before baking. Meanwhile, the boiled variety may be served with breadcrumbs, or simply enjoyed in its creamy, cheesy broth. Thank you so much for your help Anja Maršić

Dough

300g flour

1 egg

120ml warm water

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp salt

Filling

500g ricotta

100g double cream

2 Eggs

1 pinch of salt

50g melted butter to grease the dough

For the sauce of the baked strukli:

300 ml of cooking cream

50g of butter to grease the tin

For the sauce of the boiled strukli:

100g of butter

2 tbsp breadcrumbs

Step 1

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the centre and add the egg, warm water, and vegetable oil.

Step 2

Mix until a dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, double cream, eggs, and a pinch of salt until well combined. After resting, divide the dough into two equal parts.

Step 4

Roll out one part on a floured surface into a thin sheet (about 2-3 mm thick). Grease a baking tin with melted butter.

Step 5

Place the rolled-out dough in the tin, ensuring it covers the base. Spread half of the filling evenly over the dough.

Step 6

Roll the remaining dough into another thin sheet and place it over the filling.

Step 7

Spread the remaining filling on top and cover with another layer of dough if desired. Pour the cooking cream over the top layer of dough. Grease the top with melted butter.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.

Step 9

If you prefer boiled štrukli, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut the assembled štrukli into squares and carefully place them in the boiling water. Boil for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

Serve:

For the baked version, let it cool slightly before serving. For the boiled version, melt the butter in a pan and add breadcrumbs, stirring until golden brown. Drizzle the breadcrumb mixture over the boiled štrukli before serving.